Monarch is a neighborhood restaurant now open inside Urban Cowboy Denver’s Public House, located in the historic George Schleier Mansion at 1665 Grant Street.
After years of pop-ups, collaborations, and searching for the right home, Monarch has landed in a space that feels true to what we’ve always wanted to build: warm, intimate, a little unexpected, and centered around food that brings people together.
Led by chef Justin Freeman and Danny Matthews, Monarch is a pizzeria-meets-bistro built around sourdough pizzas, seasonal vegetables, rustic mains, and an ever-changing menu inspired by the moment. The food is thoughtful but not fussy — rooted in quality ingredients, wood-fired cooking, and the feeling of being invited over for a really good meal.
Inspired by the monarch butterfly’s instinctual journey home, Monarch is designed to become a regular’s restaurant — a place for casual weeknight dinners, celebrations, hotel guests, neighbors, and anyone looking for genuine hospitality in Denver.
We’re proud to call Urban Cowboy our first home and excited to welcome you in.
ABOUT
Meet the Team
Justin Freeman
Justin is an accomplished chef with deep roots in the culinary traditions of seasonal and locally sourced cooking, stemming from his upbringing in the Hudson Valley. His early family dinners instilled a love for high-quality ingredients and creating memorable dining experiences. This ethos is carried into his professional career, which now sees him as the Executive Chef at Somebody People.
His career began with notable experiences, including opening The Greenwich and serving as the Chef de Cuisine (CDC) at Upland in NYC under the mentorship of Justin Smillie. Upland, which operated 14 services weekly and generated $10.5 million annually, played a crucial role in honing Justin's approach to California-style cuisine with a seasonal focus.
With over 14 years of industry experience, Justin has contributed to esteemed restaurants like Ai Fiori, Seamore’s, and Nobu, continually drawing inspiration from his love for local ingredients and culinary exploration. Whether in the kitchen or at the farmer's market, Justin's passion for discovery and creativity shines through in his dishes, making each meal a celebration of quality and family-style dining.
Daniel Matthews
Danny began his career in the food and beverage industry at 18, working his way up to FOH Manager at a bustling eatery/nightclub on the University of Iowa campus by the time he was 21. He then transitioned to the hotel industry, managing food and beverage operations at a boutique hotel in Chicago, where he gained extensive experience over four years. From there, he was recruited to be part of the opening management team for a San Antonio resort with 11 F&B outlets, before being recruited again to Denver by a hospitality group.
After years of leadership in hospitality, he made a career shift and successfully launched his own barbershop five years ago. The shop has grown from 3 chairs to 5 and has consistently increased revenue each year, becoming a staple in Washington Park neighborhood.
His background in managing diverse teams and businesses, along with his passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, positions himself well for the next chapter in his career — opening a restaurant that brings all his expertise together.